Turbofan engines are synonymous with the commercial aviation industry. With the exception of small passenger jets, most commercial jets use them as their main source of propulsion. Not to be confused with a turbojet, a turbofan is a type of … Continue reading →

Blind rivets have revolutionized the way in which parts are fastened. Unlike traditional rivets, they don’t require access to both sides of the parts. They are known as “blind” rivets because they only require access to the front of the … Continue reading →

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a student in training, you’ve probably heard of preflight checklists. It plays an important role in aviation safety by ensuring that pilots don’t forget any critical tasks. Pilots will start at the top of … Continue reading →

Choosing the right drill bit is important when dealing with tough materials. While an inexpensive aluminum drill bit may suffice for wood, harder and stronger materials require a different approach. Fortunately, drill bits are available in a variety of styles, … Continue reading →

Are you familiar with aircraft firewalls? Not to be confused with the digital cybersecurity tool of the same name, a firewall is a wall-like fireproof structure. It’s used to control and prevent fires from spreading. If a fire breaks out, … Continue reading →

Cotter pins offer an easy and reliable way to hold metal rods in place. Also known as cotter keys, they consist of a single U-shaped piece of metal. The two tines are typically the same length or nearly the same … Continue reading →

Not all airplanes have fixed, unmovable tail assemblies. Whether it’s a small Cessna 172 or a jumbo-sized Airbus A380, it will likely have two horizontally hinged surfaces known as elevators. Here are six facts about elevators and how they work. … Continue reading →

You don’t have to rely on soldering or heat shrink tubing to join electrical wires. There are other solutions available, such as crimp splice connectors. Also known as butt splice connectors, they consist of an insulated outer sleeve and a … Continue reading →

Bolts are commonly used in the construction of airplanes and other types of aircraft. Consisting of a threaded shank and an integrated head, they are used to fasten two or more parts. Bolts, however, are available in different styles, such … Continue reading →